The weather was beautiful for New Community’s 25th Annual Golf Classic July 1, held at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Livingston. Proceeds from the event benefit Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families; the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship Fund; and NCC’s youth and education programs.
“The annual Golf Classic is an opportunity to spend some fun time with our many dedicated friends and supporters. It has become something we all look forward to and it is a chance for us to remember the people who we impact and rededicate ourselves to the NCC mission,” said New Community CEO Richard Rohrman. “Thanks to all who came out to support us and thanks to the NCC team who worked so hard to make it happen.”
The event’s Platinum Sponsor was Withum Audit Tax Advisory. Hole-in-one sponsors were Palmer & Cay, Ferry Carpet and NCC Board President Dr. A. Zachary Yamba.
Participants enjoyed an outdoor barbecue before an afternoon on the golf course. They then returned for an evening reception that included a cocktail hour, dinner and silent auction with a variety of items including purses, jewelry, sports memorabilia and artwork.
Board President Yamba welcomed attendees to the reception and thanked them for their support of New Community, which he called “a very vital organization not only within the City of Newark and the County of Essex, but in terms of our mission.” He explained that the services NCC provides become even more important as government pulls back financial support for programs.
He asked attendees to spread the word about the good work NCC does.
“We have to live up to the dream that Monsignor Linder had after the riots in 1967. We have to keep that dream alive,” Yamba said. “Because the needs keep growing and we are here to make sure that dream and that support that he so dearly lived for, and died for, continues to thrive.”
During the reception, supporters heard from Kima Young, who has benefited from Harmony House, NCC’s transitional housing facility for homeless families. Young, who has been living at Harmony House for nine months, became homeless after she was evicted because her landlord wasn’t paying the mortgage on the property even though she was paying rent. She received a voucher to stay at Harmony House and currently resides there with her 15-year-old special needs daughter.
“Harmony House isn’t your typical shelter. It feels like home,” she said. “And it offers so much to its residents.”
Young has taken advantage of the support New Community provides, including Family Service Bureau, which provides mental health services. She described a community feel at Harmony House and said NCC offers events for families, particularly around the holidays.
Young is unable to work because of health issues, but receives Social Security income. With the help of her Harmony House counselor, Young has put in applications for apartments for disabled residents and is hoping to be accepted in the near future.
“I feel very fortunate to have a roof over my head and thank New Community and Harmony House for that,” Young said. “I thank each and every one of you for your support of Harmony House and other New Community programs. The services provided make a real difference in people’s lives. We very much appreciate it.”
The Golf Classic also included a 50/50 raffle. Robert Shawah Sr. won the prize and generously donated it back to NCC.
